How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you are wondering how to know if you have ADHD, you have come to the right place. Here, you will learn the symptoms and causes of the disorder, as well as the risk factors for it. Once you have a clear diagnosis, you will be on your way to controlling the symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD can be annoying, even crippling. The symptoms can even lead to a lack of productivity at work.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
What are the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD is a neurological disorder characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD may also occur during other times of a person’s life, such as pregnancy and menopause. Most sources do not differentiate between gender and sex, and therefore are assumed to include only cisgender participants. Increasingly, transgender people are reporting their ADHD diagnoses, and one study found that transgender individuals have four times as high a diagnosis than the cisgender population. Unfortunately, the research is limited to children and adolescents; as a result, intersex people are not well represented in these studies.
While ADHD diagnosis can be challenging, parents can learn to manage the situation with humor and coping strategies. Using humor and focusing on a child’s strengths can help a parent deal with the feelings that accompany an ADHD diagnosis. Parents should also remember to be realistic and accept the challenges of raising a child with ADHD. While these strategies are effective for some children, some parents may feel uncomfortable about seeking professional help for their child.
Causes Of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and restlessness. In some cases, this hyperactivity can develop into an inner restlessness as the child ages. Some individuals also have problems regulating their emotions and executive functions, which may be the cause of ADHD. For an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must persist for at least six months in two different settings. If the symptoms continue, ADHD may have other causes, including mental or substance abuse.
There are several factors associated with the development of ADHD, including exposure to toxic chemicals, developmental problems, and issues involving the central nervous system. Other causes include premature birth, and maternal substance use during pregnancy. However, a combination of these causes may play a role in the development of ADHD. It is also possible that genetics may not be the sole determinant of the disorder, so it is essential to rule out other factors. The most reliable methods to determine a child’s risk are based on empirical studies.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is an important step in the treatment process for both you and your child. A psychiatrist can properly diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. To ensure that you get the best results, choose a psychiatrist whose work is supported by your insurance company. Your primary care physician will recommend a qualified professional for this evaluation. When choosing a psychiatrist, make sure to research the doctor’s background, experience, and credentials. You should also check your insurance coverage before scheduling an appointment. Finally, never be afraid to ask questions and visit several professionals.
Your doctor will ask a number of questions during the initial exam to establish the diagnosis. For example, your clinician may ask about your current concerns and functioning, as well as your relationships, schoolwork, and social life. A clinician may also administer questionnaires to gather more information about your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete ratings on how severe your symptoms are. These ratings will help your healthcare provider determine if ADHD is the proper treatment for your child.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
Risk factors of ADHD include perinatal factors, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and trauma. Children of parents with a history of ADHD are more likely to develop the disorder, as are those born to poor or consanguineous couples. In addition, a mother’s mental health and dietary deficiencies are both risk factors for ADHD. Sadly, some parents and families have no idea that their children could be at risk.
Despite the growing body of research on early environmental risk factors of ADHD, there are still important flaws in the studies. For instance, most of the studies involved elementary school children, which impedes understanding of the disorder during the preschool years. Further, the measures of risk factors were often retrospective, which may lead to memory bias. Furthermore, outcomes were categorized by traditional ADHD taxonomy categories rather than a unified model.
Complications Of ADHD
There are a variety of varying treatments for ADHD. Many include behavioral therapy and stimulants, and in some cases, dietary changes. While the obvious culprit is sugar, this does not apply to all children. Behavioral therapy is an option if the symptoms of ADHD are causing the child to lose focus and become inattentive. A doctor may prescribe certain medicines, such as Ritalin, to control impulsivity and hyperactivity. If the child’s symptoms are disruptive to school, a special education may be recommended.
Environmental toxins can trigger ADHD symptoms. Lead, for example, is found in paint and pipes in old buildings. Other environmental factors may contribute to ADHD, including the use of drugs by a pregnant mother. Premature birth and lead exposure are also linked to ADHD. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause, there are some things to look for that may indicate a more serious issue. A behavioral health provider will ask about your child’s history to determine whether or not the disorder is causing a number of problems.
